Maserati Ghibli

Maserati has prestige, history and Italian pedigree, all hallmarks of an exclusive sport-luxury brand, whatever they said. Not hard to realize that Maserati executives watching Porsche’s recent growth with some envy. With the new 2014 Maserati Ghibli, a midsize luxury sedan, the automaker is deep digging below its traditional six-figure threshold, looking for a niche among the old European guard. In reality, the Ghibli is more effective in the flesh than it does in photographs and what the test drivers say, but we still suspect that it’s designed to appeal more to the very fast-growing Asia- Pacific and Chinese markets than European one.

The car allows drivers to customize itself with an array of wood, upgraded leather trim and carbon fiber. Several wheel designs are available, which mean that your choices are much more various, up to 21 inches in diameter, as are brake calipers in multiple colors. There are so many features that certainly attract you attention, for example, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear parking sensors, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, a driver-adjustable adaptive suspension, a power rear sunshade, heated front and rear seats, ventilated front seats and a heated steering wheel and all of them belong to the notable options.

The base setup is a 345-hp, twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 and rear-wheel drive. Due to deliciously curved lines, the Ghibli looks backed up by what’s under the hood. Furthermore, the S performance version has 404 hp and optional all-wheel drive. The materials used to make the interior are not as nice as what we expected and both engines have an eight-speed automatic, but this desert wind is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by German sedans.

Not only being mid-size executive, the Ghibli is also Maserati’s first diesel. Perhaps, but it’s a necessary move. There is a clever exhaust tuning helps you save power and gives it the baritone rumble of a V8 on the outside. Among Maserati cars, it seems to be the best feature is the power saving ever, but the fact is that most of its rivals all have smoother, punchier twin turbo units that are easily the measure of Maserati’s single turbo diesel in all the key areas.

But the Ghibli has just slightly more technical and modern in appearance. Besides, the interior is a more sober environment, a generation advanced from the bigger Maserati sedan. The reason for that is that the dash is shaped like one of its relatives from the Fiat Chrysler Group, the Jeep Cherokee. It is different from its origins with layers of leather and opulent trim choices like open-pore wood, and fitted with huge, cold-to-the-touch paddles for shifting. Additionally, there are lesser cues which show up in some plastic trim, in the parts-bin switches and buttons.

The engine also had great changes. But it’s still a question, how they will change the Maserati’s income. That said, 443lb ft of torque from 2,000rpm is juicy, and with 50:50 weight distribution, a proper mechanical diff, and a talented chassis that enjoys being pushed, the Ghibli doesn’t disgrace its well-known badge. In addition, the 325bhp V6 petrol brings on feeling that is more naturally athletic and Italian. Maserati’s engineers specifically upgraded to the more fashionable electric steering in favor of a hydraulic set-up, which feels linear and accurate. The eight-speed auto box is fantastic, the ride quality rather less so.

The way that the car allows you to drive like what you want will satisfy you a lot. Although the price that Maserati said is a little expensive, but the Ghibli is undoubtedly well equipped. This is the unbelievable challenges that Maserati challenge in hands themselves. At least the diesel is green: the 48mpg Maserati is now a reality.